Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile, finished in fourth place during an initial informal vote in the UN Security Council. The vote, which took place in New York on Thursday in private, evaluated the candidates running to replace António Guterres as head of the United Nations. Bachelet received six votes supporting her, five opposing, and four undecided responses.
Bachelet's candidacy faces internal and external obstacles
Bachelet's effort to gain the UN leadership position does not have the endorsement of her own government. The Chilean administration pulled its support in March, stating that the odds of success were slim due to the competitive field and lack of backing from the Security Council's five permanent members. Some in Chile suspected the government was responding to pressure from the United States, though no proof was offered.
Mexico and Brazil, who had supported Bachelet together in February, remain committed to her candidacy. Brazilian diplomatic sources have stated that the nomination is a top priority for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A team of former Chilean foreign ministers has also formed to guide Bachelet and schedule meetings with Council members.
Candidates debate next in Uruguay
The seven contenders for the UN Secretary-General role are set to meet in Uruguay on Monday for a debate before the final General Assembly vote. The leading candidates in the first poll were Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Rafael Grossi of Argentina. The event occurs as several Latin American nations advocate for a woman to hold the position for the first time.
Guterres's current term concludes on December 31. The initial informal voting results remain confidential, and the Security Council will later forward a final recommendation to the General Assembly.
Bachelet, now 74 years old, has extensive UN experience, having directed both UN Women and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Heraldo Muñoz, who was Chile’s foreign minister during Bachelet’s second presidential term, mentioned that the support from Brazil and Mexico balances out Chile’s decision to pull out. He also noted Bachelet's team responded to Thursday’s voting results with composure.